First Attempt at Hatching Call Ducks!

[SilverPhoenix]

So, after having several unsuccessful serama hatches due to one reason or another, and losing three of my beloved chickens unexpectedly yesterday (very, very depressed about this and having a tough time), I decided to try something new and set some of my call duck eggs. I have a gorgeous butterscotch pair who I absolutely adore, and I've been collecting eggs for about a week. I have six eggs, and if I get even one duckling I'll be overjoyed! If it doesn't work out, oh well--I just want to try!

So far my plans are:

- Hand turn three times daily.
- Keep humidity at about 60-65% through most of the hatch, and 85% for lockdown.
- After first week, allow embryos to cool for a half-hour daily.
- Mist eggs three times daily.
- Keeping eggs on their sides, as is natural.

These are all based off of suggestions I've seen in threads here.

If anyone has additional suggestions, I'd appreciate them! I'm incubating in my Genesis Hovabator 1588.

I wanted to start this thread so I can post updates about my hatch here as well! I can use all the luck I can get after the bad luck I've had the past few months.

 

[kandyg_99]

I'am going to be keeping an eye on this post. I just picked up three Call Drakes and now looking for hens.I just love these little guys.....Let us know how the hatch goes...

 

[HickoryGuy]

I'm wanting to experiment with ducks myself. I'm sure I could find it somewhere else, but I'll ask here....

Why do the eggs need to cool for 30 mins/day?

Is misting required?

Looking forward to seeing how your hatch goes.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Quote:

 

[SilverPhoenix]

Thank you so much for the suggestions, SundownWaterfowl! I'm changing my incubating style to fit your suggestions.

I really appreciate the help! As you can tell I'm completely new at this, so any information is wonderful.

 

[SilverPhoenix]

Well, darn, one of my manx rumpie mixes is semi-broody at the moment, but when I tried to bring her in and get her to sit on the duck eggs, she went ballistic and wanted to go outside. Put her back out and she's in the nesting box again, sitting on a ton of guinea fowl eggs. The last thing I need is more guinea fowl--the three I have are plenty!

I might try her again in another few days if she's still feeling broody.

Here are some photos of the parents of the eggs:

I love them so muchl!

 

[MissD]

Hello! I am on Day 24 hatching Calls with my 2nd grade class! This is the third time I have done Calls! They are absolutely adorable. We also have a few Cayugas in there with them. I do it in a classroom setting so I use an automatic egg turner. I have kept the humidity around 65%, and tomorrow it will be raised because it is the beginning of "lock down". In the past all of mine have hatched on either the 28th or 29th day! We candled them for the last time today and movement was still seen in all 25 of the eggs, hopefully we will arrive Monday to rocking, pipping, or even little wet ducklings!! Good Luck!!

 

[fancbrd4me02]

Good luck! I am hatching calls for the first tiem next week! I have mine under a broody. It's exciting, isn't it?